Republic's charitable efforts provide millions of dollars to help those in need
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com spearhead two of Arizona's largest giving-back initiatives each year, including our flagship Season for Sharing campaign.
Last year, nonprofits statewide shared nearly $1.8 million that was donated by Republic readers and others to Season for Sharing.
Grants ranging from $7,500 to $40,000 were distributed to 164 organizations that support teachers and students, aid older adults and help struggling families. The funds were donated by subscribers, by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and others during the holiday season.
Since it began in 1993, Season for Sharing has raised and given away almost $72 million to Arizona nonprofits. Because The Republic pays administrative and promotional costs, 100% of donations goes back to the community.
"Arizonans' generosity and caring cannot be overstated," said Republic executive editor Greg Burton. "So many people are struggling with housing issues, food issues and general economic pressures. The work that these nonprofits do to help our neighbors in need is vital."
Applications for Season for Sharing grants are reviewed by a group of Republic employees and representatives from the Arizona Community Foundation, the Pulliam Trust and ASU's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
Last year, a theme emerged from the grant applicants: a need for ongoing relief from COVID-19-related food and housing insecurity. New asks came from organizations that help refugees from Afghanistan and other war-torn areas. Tempe-based Welcome to America is using a $7,500 grant to support more than 1,500 refugee families with emergency needs, for instance.
The majority of grantees were located in Maricopa County, but nonprofits in Pinal County, Parker, Flagstaff, Payson and Sedona also benefitted.
The largest grant — $40,000 — went to Arizona Food Bank Network. The network is a coalition of food banks that feeds more than 450,000 people statewide.
Follow the next Season for Sharing campaign at sharing.azcentral.com or facebook.com/seasonforsharing.
Nonprofits benefit from Republic's A Community Thrives grants
Foster360 received a $50,000 grant from A Community Thrives, the national grantmaking and crowdfunding program sponsored by The Arizona Republic and the Gannett Foundation. Gannett Co., Inc., is The Republic's parent company.
It is the largest grant given to an Arizona nonprofit in the six years of the Community Thrives program's existence. Additionally, 15 other Arizona nonprofits will share more than $516,000 in local operating grants.
"This work can feel lonely and isolating, to get that call was just this moment of feeling seen and bringing awareness to this community," co-Director Sommer Knight said.
To qualify for final consideration for A Community Thrives grants, organizations had to crowdfund a minimum amount of donations from supporters. Backers gave $17,700 to Foster360, bringing its Community Thrives total to $67,700.
A Community Thrives supports education, arts and culture, wellness and community building in USA Today Network cities around the country. More than $6 million (grants plus crowdfunding) went to nonprofits this year.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Charitable efforts include Season for Sharing, A Community Thrives grants
